Youth are actively engaged in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning experiences across the U.S.
Why is this a need? In the next decade, 80% of all jobs will require STEM skills. Forty percent of U.S. companies report difficulty in filling positions because of a lack of STEM knowledge. Sixty-three percent of American teens have never considered a career in STEM-related fields.
A recent study conducted by Tufts University, The Positive Development of Youth:, revealed 4-H programming does indeed get young people more connected to science. According to the study, 4-Hers are two times more likely to participate in science, engineering and computer technology programs during out-of-school time and 4-H girls are two to three times more likely to take part in science programs compared to girls in other out-of-school time activities.
There is a great opportunity to get youth, families, and volunteers engaged with STEM through robotics in Northeast Nebraska.
First Lego League is a special interest club for youth 9 to 14 years-old to explore the field of robotics through real-world engineering challenges. Local teams have been practicing since this fall. They will be competing at local qualifiers in Nebraska coming in January 2022.
There are four parts to the First Lego League experience: Robot Design, Innovation Project, Core Values, and Robot Games. Each team will conduct an innovation project based on the theme this year called, “Cargo Connect”. They have been researching the challenges of delivering cargo using the engineering design process to create new solutions to solve the problem. Local experts such as train engineers, truck drivers, pilots, have visited with the teams to share real-world knowledge to guide them through their research.
Each team will design a robot using Lego Education kits. The robot table has over 18 missions for the teams to write a code, build attachments, and see how many points their robot can get in 2 1/2 minutes. The missions are built out of Legos and follow the theme, “Cargo Connect”. A few of the favorite missions at practice have been moving cargo containers, unloading a cargo plane, and repairing a train track.
Core values focuses on the following: Discovery, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, Teamwork, and having Fun using Cooperation and Gracious Professionalism during practices and competitions.
The youth at each practice learn valuable skills in STEM, develop public speaking, and team building skills. Robotics is one project to get youth enrolled during the 4-H year. Now is the time to enroll in the 4-H program. There are over 150 projects in which youth can enroll in 4-H.
For more information about becoming involved in 4-H this year, interested persons are encouraged to contact their local Nebraska Extension Office or visit the website at www.extension.unl.edu.
